Lowe’s Grant Funds Aging-in-Place Project in Netcong

We are partnering with Mt. Olive Lowe’s in Flanders and the Borough of Netcong to make Arbolino Park more accessible and to help seven lower-income senior homeowners in town with necessary home repairs. The project was launched at a ceremony on June 27, 2017. Lowe’s awarded Morris Habitat a $40,000 Aging-in-Place grant, and Lowe’s is providing the materials for all park upgrades.

Lowe’s Build Days on Tuesday, August 22, and Wednesday, August 23, 2017, at Arbolino Park in Netcong marked the beginning of construction activities. Modifications to the park will enable seniors and those with disabilities to enjoy recreational activities there. Volunteer teams of 25 employees from Lowe’s stores in Flanders, Hillsborough, Hampton and Butler worked alongside Morris Habitat construction supervisors and volunteers over two consecutive days. They constructed 200 feet of post and rail fence along the interior park road and built three patios where six wheelchair-accessible picnic tables will be installed. The Netcong Borough Department of Public Works will provide excavation services to plant 2 shade trees by each picnic table. Future plans for Phase I of the Arbolino Park upgrade include a kayak ramp with an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant launch, 4 handicap parking spaces, an ADA-compliant sidewalk from the parking area to the kayak ramp and 3 new security cameras.

The first Lowe’s Build Day was attended by local leaders and elected officials, including Netcong Mayor Joe Nametko and Assemblymen Anthony Bucco and Michael Carroll, who turned out to show their support for the project.

“Today, we are taking the first steps towards the installation of a new ADA-compliant kayak launch and boat dock,” Mayor Nametko said. “Thanks to the generous grant from Lowe’s, we will be installing new safety fencing and more accessible picnic areas for our residents to be able to enjoy. This is an important first step for us, because as we strive to bring new aspects to the park, we need to make sure that we have adequate safety features and plenty of usable seating in place.”

Nametko said that the borough will be looking to raise an additional $50,000 in private donations to fund the new dock. “Our goal is to make this park, and thereby the lake, much more enjoyable and accessible for anyone who wants to use it,” he said. “I believe so strongly in this project that I am going to be donating my entire $4,000 salary as mayor in 2018 towards its completion.”

Morris Habitat’s Aging in Place program is dedicated to helping seniors remain in their homes and neighborhoods for as long as possible. Learn more about eligibility guidelines on our Aging in Place web page.